Switch control and indication system



Marh 2, 194s. Ge Cm, 2,312,959

SWITCH CONTROL AND INDICATION SYSTEM Filed 001.26, 1940 24 galets-.sheet 1 MMM-10 a/fvg@ 12W) i '651 www March 2,1943. acm.. 2,312,959

` swITm-LcoNTRoiI AND'INDI'CATLON SYSTEM Filed oog 2e, 1940 2 sheets-sheet'z Eg. 5r I I i 5 maw-17 n mamy-16 26m-14 -R/N/ 126/7-15 A Q@ DW 06m-19 12m/R118;

6126/112) Ma/Rh i c r@ l Erw/w `r HIS' ATTORNEY Patented Mar. 2, 1943 SWITCH CONTROL ANTI)l INDECATION SYSTEM Giulio cani, Turin, Italy, assigner, by mesne assignments, to The Union Switch and Signal Company, Swissvale, Pa.,

Pennsylvania a corporation of Application October 26, 1940, Serial No. 362,972 In Italy April 6, 1940 11 Claims. (Cl. 246-134) This invention relates to an improved system of control, operation and indication of railway points or switches and the like by means of locking relays of the type described in United States Patent No. 2,220,744, granted November 5, 1940, to Charles F'. D. Venning and Ernest W. Challis for Traic controlling systems for railways and the like, which have the characteristic of remaining lockedrin the position corresponding to the last energization until current has been supplied to the magnet corresponding to the opposite energization.

The system herewith particularly described, represents one form of the invention, but it will be evident that various modifications can be made therein without exceeding the scope of the present invention.

The system is designed and arranged in such a manner as to present a guarantee of safety even when one or more faults occur to the apparatus or to the circuits of which the system is composed, such as grounds, crosses, etc., and it is to be noted that the protections embodied in the invention are of fundamental importance, inasmuch 'as the control, the operation and the indication cf railway points are primary factors in the safe movement of trains.

As appears evident from the following description, the system provides, under normal conditions, for the formation of a short circuit between the operating conductors of a switch, and an agreement circuit which indicates, through the operation of an electric bell, any movement or any failure of indication of a switch.

With reference to the attached drawings, Fig. 1 represents the circuits for the locking relays, in which Il and I2 are locking route relays, corresponding respectively to a route a--l and a route a-2, such for example as shown in Fig. la, extending from point a to track portions I and 2, respectively, and including a switch 6.

A portion of the track in which switch 6 is located rnay be divided from adjoining portion of track by means of insulated joints 3 to form a section 6T. This portion or section of track may trolled similarly to the corresponding route setcontact 'ting and locking relay ILR, shown in allowed patent application Serial No. 366,777 iiled November 22, 1940, in the United States Patent Ofiice by C. F. D. Venning, which is a continuation-impart of 'an application Serial No.`315,549 filed January 25, 1940, in the United States Patent Oiilce. It will be noted that relay ILR in the Venning application referred to is controlled by a' manual route lever or other control device ILRP. Relays Il and I2 of the present case may be similarly controlled by manual route control devices.

The normal control magnet of each of these relays, and also of the 'similar relays designated 'CD6 and MD5, and the contacts operated to the closed front position by energization of the normal control magnets are designated by reference characters which include the letter N in parenthesis. The reverse control magnets for the same relays, and the contacts operated to the closed front position by energization of the reverse control magnets are designated by reference characters which include the letter R in parenthesis.

Relays Il, I2, CD6 and MDS are of the type designated electrically operated switch mechanism, shown and described in United States Patent No. 2,164,822, granted July 4, 1939-, to Arthur K. Kershaw and Norman G. Kershaw. From the description in Patent 2,164,822 it follows that contacts closed by energization of the normal control magnets of those relays will not closed by energization of the reverse control magnets of those relays will not open when the correspon-ding reverse control magnets become dejenergized, but will remain closed until the corresponding normal control magnets become energized.

In each of the figures of the drawings, the contacts operated by the various relays or other devices are identied by numbers, such numbers having distinguishing prexes from which they are separated by a dash, when the contacts are shown apart from the devices by which they are operated. The prefix for each of these contact numbers comprises the reference character for the respective device by which the associated is operated. For example, contact MD6(N)-l0, shown in the control circuit for magnet CD6(N) of relay CD5 in the upper portion of Fig. 1 of the drawings, is identified by the number l 0 separated by a dash from the prex MD6(N)` which is the reference character for magnet MD6(N) of relay MD6 by which this contact is operated.

The reference character 6V designates a manually operable control device for switch 6, comprising a push button, or a lever, or other suitable device. Device 6V has a normal control position N, a center position C, and a reverse control position R. Contacts 55 and 25 are closed by device 6V in its normal and reverse control positions, respectively, and contacts 51 and 6I are closed by device 6V in its center position.

The reference character CD6 designates a control locking relay, having normal and reverse magnets CD6(N) and CD6(R), respectively, for switch 6. This relay corresponds to the pointinterlocking relay SLR shown in Fig. 2 of Venning and Challis Patent 2,220,744 already referred to.

The reference character MD6 designates anon erating locking relay, having norma1 and reverse magnets MD6(N) and MD6(R), respectively,` for switch 6.

In Fig. 2, the operation and main indication control circuits are shown for switch 6. The operating means for switch 6 is here shown as an electric motor MY comprising an armature 33 and normal and reverse field windings 63 and 32, re; spectively.

An overload device OL is connected in series with motorM for opening the operating circuits for motor M in a well-known manner if motor M draws current ofY excessive magnitude.

A cross-protection device Z is connected across the operating circuits for motor M for opening the operating circuits in the event of a cross which might otherwise tend to operate motor M falsely.

Overload device OLand cross-protection device Z may be of the type of circuit breaker shown and described in United States Patent No. 1,191,146, granted July 18, 1916, to Howard S. Beakes. Y v

The main indication apparatus D6 for switch 6 comprises two neutral normal and reverse main indication'relays with which rectiers 49 and l2 are associated, so that normal main indication relay D6(N) is energized by current of normal polarity, and reverse main indication relay D6 (R) becomes energized by current of reverse polarity. The current of normal and reverse polarities for energizing these main indication relays is controlled by pole-changing contacts 6-II and 6-'13 which are operated in conjunction with switch 6, so that relay D6 (N) is energized when switch 6 occupies the normal position, relay D6(R) is energized when switch 6 occupies the reverse postiion, and both these relays Vare deenergized while the switch is between its extreme positions and in case of failures such for example as a broken conductor.` f

Fig. 3 shows control circuits for auxiliary normal and reverse indication relays D6(NP) and D6(RP), respectively, and also for normal and 'reverse agreement indication relays RD6(N) and RDG (R) respectively.

In Fig. 4, circuits are shown, including contacts of a push button circuit controller Tt, for controlling a stick relay Rt and a bell St.

Having enumerated'the various parts of the apparatus, I shall now describe the operation and characteristics of the circuits in the system for accomplishing the control, operation and indication ofthe switch.`

As shown in the drawings, all parts are in the normalconditiom that is: switch 6 is in its normal position for directing traffic movements over route :1 -I; manual control device 6V is in its f center position C; the N contacts of relays Il, I2, CD6 and MD6 are closed; the contacts of the overload and cross-protection devices OL and Z, respectively, are closed; relays GTR, D6(N), D6(NP), RD6(N) and Rt are energized; and relays D6(R) D6(RP) and RDS (R), motor M, and

lbell St are deenergized.

Under these conditions, normal magnet CD6(N) of relay CD6 is energized by a circuit passing from terminal B of a suitable source not shown in the drawings, through contact STR-l, normal contact 8 of relay I2, from points of contacts D6(NP)9 and MD6(N)-|, and magnet CD6(N) to the opposite terminal C of the same source of current. Main indication relay D6(N) is energized by its circuit passing from terminal B, through contact 6-II of switch 6 in the normal position, winding of relay D6 (N), rectifier I2, and contact 6-I3 of switch 6 in the normal position to terminal C. Auxiliary normal indication relay D6 (NP) is energized by its circuit passing from terminal B, through the front point of contact D6(N)-I 4, back point of contact D6(R)-I5, Winding of relay D6(NP), back point of contact D6(R)-I8, and the front point of contact D6(N)-I.9 to terminal C. Normal agreement indication relay RD6(N) is energized by its circuit passing from terminal B, through the front point of contact D6(N)-I4, back point of contact D6(R)-I5, contact MD6(N)-I6, winding of relay RD6(N), contact CD6(N)-I1, back point of Contact D6(R)-I8, and the front point of contact D6(N)l9 to terminal C. Stick relay Rt is energized by a stick circuit passing from terminal B, through contact 2| of relay Rt, winding of re- Alay Rt, front point of contact RD6(N)-22, and

ythe back point of contact RD6(R)-23 to terminal C.

With the R contacts of relay CD6 and MD6 open, the normal and reverse operating circuits, for switch 6, shown in Fig. 2, are normally open fat contacts CD6(R)-4l and MD6(R,)29, respectively. With the N contacts of relays CD6 and MD6 closed, a short circuit path is connected across the operating conductors for motor M, including contacts MD6(N)48, CD6(N)-41, CD6(N)-38 and MD6(N)-39. At the same time, motor M is included in a closed circuit which contains no source of current, this circuit passing from armature 33 of motor M, through the winding of cross-protection device Z, contact CD6(N)-38, contact MD6(N)-39, contact 6-3I, and field winding 32 of motor M, back to armature 33 of motor M. In this way, protection is provided against false operation of the switch, such as due to crosses.

I shall assume that the leverman now moves control device 6V to its R position in order to reverse switch 6. Magnet MD6 (R) of relay MD6 therefore becomes energized by a circuit passing from terminal B, through contact STR-1, contact 24 of relay Il, contact 25 of device 6V, contact CD6(N)-26, and the winding vof magnet MD6(R) to terminal C. Energization of magnet MD6 (R) causes the Ny contacts of re'- lay MD6 to open, and its R contacts to close.

Relay MD6, upon opening its N contacts, interrupts the short circuit path between the operating conductors for motor M shown in Fig. 2. The reverse operating circuit for motor M is now completed by the closure of the R contacts of relay MD6, and passes from terminal B, through contact Z-Z'L winding of device OL, contact 28 of device OL, contacts MDl(R)-29, CD5(N)30 and 6--3I, reverse field winding 32 of motor M, armature 33 of motor M, contacts CD6(N)-34 and MD6(R)-35, contact 3B of device OL, and contact Z--3`l to terminal C. Motor M will therefore move switch 6 to the reverse position.

Pole-changing contacts -H and 6l3 will be operated in conjunction with switch 5 to the reverse position represented by the dash lines in Fig. 2, causing relay DMN) to become deenergized at the beginning of the operation of the switch, and causing relay D5(R) to become energized upon the completion of the operation of the switch. Reverse main indication relay DMR.) will therefore be energized by its circuit passing from terminal B, through contact 6-l3 in the dash line position, winding of relay DMR), rectier 69, and contact t-li in the dash line position to terminal C. With the front contacts of relay DMN) opened, and its back contacts closed, and with the front contacts of relay DMR) closed, the auxiliary normal indication relay D5(NP), shown in Fig. 3, becomes deenergized and the auxiliary reverse indication relay D6(RP) becomes energized by its circuit passing from terminal B, through the front point of contact DMEM-l, back point of contact DS(N)-, winding of relay DMRB), back point of contact D6(N)-l9, and the front point of contact D6(R)-I8 to terminal C.

With relay Di(RP) energized, a circuit is coinpleted for energizing reverse magnet CD6(R) of relay CD6 shown in Fig. l, this circuit passing from terminal B, through contact GTR- 1, contact 24 of relay Il, front point ofV contact D5(RP)64, contact MD(R)-5, and the wlnding of magnet CDS(R) to terminal C. It follows that, after the indication has been received, showing that the switch has completed its movement to the reverse position, the R contacts of both relays CDE and MD are in their closed positions.

A second short circuit path is then closed between the operating wires shown in Fig. 2, and includes contacts MENEM-43, CD(R)-44, CD5(R)45, and MD5(R)-4ii. Motor Mis now included in a second closed circuit having no source of energy, passing from armature 33 of motor M, through the winding of cross-protecand 6-52, normal field winding 63 of motor M, and armature 33 of motor M.

When the leverman desires to return switch B to the normal position, he `will move the manual control device 6V to its N position. The operation of the various parts of the apparatus will then be similar to that which has been traced for eiTecting operation of the switch from the normal to the reverse position.

A characteristic of the system is that agreement in position of the contacts of relays CD6 and MSDS is associated with an extreme position of the switch and the corresponding condition of the control and indication apparatus, whereas disagreement in position of the contacts of relays CDS and MDB is associated with control to effect a change in the position of the switch `before an indication has been received that the movement of the switch has been completed; For eX- ample, when the contacts of both relays CD6 and MD5 are in their normal position, switch 6 will be in .its normal position and the indication devices will be in their normal condition; and when the contacts of relay MD5 are in their reverse position while the contacts of relay VCD6 are in their normal position, the switch willbe moving from the normal to the reverse position, and the main indication relays will be deenergized.

5 It will be noted in Fig. 3 that relay RDMN) repeats the normal position of the switch and also the normal condition of both of the relays CD8 and MDE. Similarly, relay RDMR) repeats the reverse position of the switch and also the 10 reverse condition of both of the relays CD3 and MDB. Contacts of relays RDEHN) and RDMR) are used in agreement circuits in Fig. 4 for controlling a bell St and a stick relay Rt.

When-the leverman moves the control device 6V to its R position, causing magnet MDMR) to be energized for effecting operation of switch 6 to the reverse position as previously described, a second stick circuit becomes closed for energizing relay Rt, this circuit passing from terminal B, through contact 2| of relay Rt, winding of relay Rt, contact CD(N)-5El, and contact MD6(R.).-5l to terminal C. The stick circuit previously traced for this relay then becomes opened at contact RDB N)-22 because relay RD6(N) becomes deenergized on account of contact MD6(N)-l6 being opened. At the same time, bell St is operated by a circuit passing from terminal B, through the front point of contact 20 of push button circuit controller Tt, bell St,

and the back points of contacts RD6(N)52 and RD5(R)-53 to terminal C.

When the switch reaches its reverse position, the bell ringing circuit just traced becomes opened at the back point of contact RD$(R)E3.

- At the same time, a third stick circuit becomes closed for retaining relay Rt energized, this circuit passing from terminal B, through contact 2| of relay Rt, winding of relay Rt, back point of contact RDS (N 22, and the front point of contact RDE(R)23 to terminal C. When magnet CD6(R) becomes energized, contact CD6(l\l)-59 opens the second stick circuit for relay Rt.

When the switch is being returned. to the normal position, bell Si will be operated similarly to the manner just traced for operation of this bell while the switch is being operated from the normal to the reverse position.

It will be noted that. during usual operations of switch 6, bell St will ring, but that relay Rt will be retained energized. On the other hand,

if relay RD5(N) should become deenergized. such,

for example ias due to the switch being trailed through by a train, while the N contacts of relays CDS and MDS are closed, relay Rt will become deenergized. With relay Rt deenergized. a second circuit is closed for operating bell St, this circuit passing `from terminal B. through the front ipoint of contact 2l! of push button circuit controller Tt, mechanism of bell St, and contact Rt-54 `to terminal C. Two circuits will therefore be closed for causing bell St to ring. In order to again energize relay Rt, it will be necessary to break the seal of push button circuit controller Tt after the condition of the switch has been corrected.

The control, operation and indication of switch 6 can be effected regularly under any of the folloding sets of conditions:

, l. Magnet L2(R) of locking route relay I2 can be energized by operation of a manual control device. With auxiliary normal indicationV relay DENN?) normally energized, and withthe contacts of magnet CDMN) normally closed, magnet MDSlR) of relay MD5 Vcan thus become energiz'ed by a circuit which is the same as the cir- 'cuit previously traced for this magnet exceptthat, instead of including contact 25 of the control delvice 6V, it passes over a branch path including contact I2(R)5G, contact El of control device 6V, and contact D6(NP)-52. With magnet MDMR) energized, the operation of the switch will be carried out as previously described.

2. In eliecting operation of the switch by moving control device BV to its R position, for exarnple, as previously described, it is not necessary that the indication relays be energized, because the circuit for energizing magnet MDMR), which includes contact 25 of control device 5V, contains no contact of an indication relay, and contact CD6(N) 26 will remain closed even though relay CDS becomes deenergized.

3. I shall assume that operation of the switch is started, as under the preceding set of conditions No. 1, by energizing magnet I2 (R) of relay I2. I shall further assume that control device 6V is then moved to its N position. Although contact 55 of device 5V thus becomes closed, magnet MDE (N) remains deenergized because contact 8 of magnet I2 (N) is open. It follows that operation of the switch to a given position will be completed after having been started by locking route relay I2, even though control device 6V is afterward placed in a position which controls movement of the switch to the opposite position.

4. I shall now assume that operation of the switch to its reverse position is started by the placing of control device SV in its R position as ously closed by magnetIMR) to open. The circuit previously closed for magnet MDB (R) will therefore be opened at contactrI2(R)-S, but due to the characteristic construction of relay MDB, the contacts previously closed by magnet MDMR) will remain closed while relay MDS is deenergized, thereby causing .the-operation o switch 6 to be completed.

6. If all parts of the apparatusare returned to the normal condition, and if manual control device 6V is then moved to its R position, and if device 6V is next returned .to its. central position while switch 6 is being operated, causing relay MDS to be deenergized, the operation of switch 6 will be completed because the contacts operated by magnet MD6(R) remain closed while relay MDS is deenergized.

7. If, when all parts of the apparatus are again in the normal condition, magnet I2 (R) is energized by operation of its manual control device, and if then, while switch 6 is being operated to its reverse position, magnet IHR) is energized by operation of the corresponding manual control device, relay MD will become deenergized, because contact 2Q of relay Il will be opened, but the contacts operated by magnet MD6 R will remain closed, and hence theoperation of the switch will be completed.

8. I shall assume that magnet I2(R) of relay I2 vis energized by operation of its manual control device to effect operation of switch 6 to its reverse position, vbut that the reverse indication for switch 6 is not received. I shall also assume that the leverman then effects energization of magnet I2(N) and places control device 6V in its N position. Magnet CD6 (R) of relay CDG will then become energized by a circuit passing from terminal B, through contact GTR-7, contact 8 of relay I2, contact 55 of control device 6V, back point of contact D6 (RE-64', contact MD(R)- 65, and the winding of magnet CD6(R) to terminal C. Magnet MDB(N) of relay MDES will then become energized by a circuit passing from terminal B, through contact @TR-7, contact 8 of relay I2, contact 55 of control device 6V, contact CDS(R)-59, and the winding of magnet MDS (N) to terminal C. With control device 6V, it is thus possible to effect repeated operations of switch 6 back and forth, even if the usual switch indication is not received, in order to remove obstacles from between the'switch point and the stock rail.`

9. In the event of magnet 12CH.) being energized, and at the same time control device 6V being placed in its R position, magnet MD6(R) will become energized, thereby causing switch 6 to be moved to the reverse position whether the indication for the switch is received or not.

Under the following conditions, operation 0f switch 6 cannot be effected:

1. If magnet I2(R) is energized to effect operation of switch 6, while auxiliary normal indication relay DE (NP) is deenergized, the circuit for energizing magnet MD8(R) will be open at contact. D(NP)-62, and hence switch 6 will not be operated.

2,'If magnets IHR) and I2(R) of relays Il and I2, respectively, are energized simultaneously, the circuits for energizing magnet MDMN) will be open at contact 8 of magnet I2 (N), and the circuits for energizing magnet MDS (R) will be open at contact 24 of magnet IHN), and hence switch 6 cannot be operated from either position to the other.

3. If control device 6V is moved to its R position, and if, at the same time, magnet IHR) becomes energized, the circuit for energizing magnet MD6(N) will be open at contact 51 of control device 6V, and the circuit for energizing .magnet MD6 R will be open at ContactY 24 of magnet IHN), and hence switch 6 cannot be operated.

4. If one of the locking route relays Il and I2 is energized when the switch points have been trailed. through, the switch cannot be operated, on account ofthe auxiliary indication relays being deenergized.

5.l Ii' v.control device 6V is operated whilemag- Vnet I2(R).,..for example, is energized, and switch 6 is in its'ireverse position, there will no effectA onswitch 6. If device 6V is moved to the N position while magnet I2(R) is energized, the circuit `formagnet MDMN) including contact 55 of control device 6V, will be open at contact 8 of magnet I2 (N) and hence switch 6 will not be operated to the normal position,

6. If switch B has been operated to the reverse position on account oi control device 6V being placed in its R position, and if magnet I2 (R) is then energized while device 6V is in its R position, there will be no change in the condition of relay MDB, and hence switch S will remain in the reverse position.

7. If magnet I2 (R) of locking route relay I2 is energized and there is a failure of the switch to indicate, operation of control device 6V, while vmagnet I2(R;)V is still energized, will have no effect on the position of switch 6, because the circuits for magnet MDS-(N) will be open at contact 8 of magnet I2(N) Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In a system for the control, operation and indication of a railway switch, in which twoposition locking relays areA provided each comprising a normal and a reverse magnet with normal and reverse contacts, respectively, having the characteristic of remaining closed inthe position corresponding toV the magnet lastr energized until the opposite magnet becomes energized, whereby the normal contacts become closed in response to energization of the normal magnet and remain closed until opened in response to energization of the reverse magnet, and whereby the reverse contacts becomevclosed in response to energization of the reverse magnet and remain closed until opened in response to energization of the normal magnet; the combination comprising, an operating locking relay for said switch, a control locking relay for said switch, manual control means for said switch. a reverse circuit for said switch controlled by its manual control means and by a normal Contact of its control locking relay for energizing the reverse magnet of its operating locking relay. a normal circuit for said switch controlled by its manual control means and by a reverse contact of its control locking relay for energizing the normal magnet of its operating locking relay. a second reverse circuit for said switch controlled by a reverse contact of its operating locking relay and by a reverse switch contact closedl by said switch in the reverseposition for energizing the reverse magnet of its control locking relay. a second normal circuit for said switch controlled by a normal contact of its operating locking relay and by a normal switch contact closed'. by said switch in the normal position for energizing the normal magnet of its control locking relay. and operating means for said switch controlled by its control and operating lock-ing relays for op erating said switch toits normal andreverse positions.

2. In a system for the control, operation and indication of a railway switch, in which two-A position locking relays are provided. each comprising a normal and a reverse magnet with normal and reverse contacts, respectively, hav.- ing the characteristic of remaining closed in the position corresponding to the magnet last energized until the opposite magnet becomes ener-v gized, whereby the normal contacts become closed in responseto energization of the normal magnet and remain closed until opened in re sponse to energization of the reverse magnet, and whereby the reverse contacts become closed in response to energization of the reverse magnet and remain closed until opened in response-*to energization of the normal magnet; the combina-` tion comprising, an operating locking relay for said switch, a control locking relay for said switch, manual control means for said switch, normal and reverse circuits for said switchrcontrolled by its manual control means and control locking relay if in disagreement with each other` for energizing the normal and reverse magnets respectively of its operating locking relay, other. normal and reverse circuits for said switch con-r trolled by the switch itself and by its-operating locking relay if in agreement with each other for energizing the normall and reverse magnets respectively of its control'nlocking relay, and oper-f ating means` for saidA switch controlled; by its control and operating locking relaysior operating said. switch to its. norrnabandf` reverse-positions.

3. InV a, system. for the. control, operation, and indicationA of a. railway. switch, in whichv twopositionlocking` relays. are; provided each comprising anormal. and areversemagnet Withnormal and reverse contacts, respectively, having the characteristic. of remaining closed .in the position. corresponding. to.. the magnet last. energized until the: opposite magnetV becomes energized, whereby.: the. normal contacts:become closed in response toenergization. of the. normal magnet and remain closed until; opened. in. response tof-energization of the reverse magnet, and where.- by.v the reverse. contacts; become. closed, in. re.. spense to energization of the reverse magnet. and remain closed until opened in responseto. ener-Y gization of. theV normal magnet.; the combination comprising, an operating. locking V relayV for. said switch, a controlA locking relay. for said switch, manual control: means forA said switch, normal and reverse circuitsfor. saidswitchcontrolled by itsimanual. control. means. and control. locking .relayv if in disagreementwith'. each other for. energizing the normal and-reverse magnets, respectively. of. its. operating locking.. relay, other normalA and reverse circuits for. said; switch. con,- trolled by, the switch. itself, and'. by itsoperatng locking relay if in. agreement. withfeach. other lor energizing. the normal. andireverse magnets respectively4 of its control lockingv relay, and operating means for said switch controlled by its;

control and* operating. locking, relays if in' disagreement with each* other for. operating.; said switch toits normal and reversev positions.

4..In, asystem for the., control, operation. and indicationof a ,railwayswitclr whichtwo-position locking relays arey providedeach comprising. a normaland a reverse magnet with normal and reverse contacts, respectively, having the char.- acteristic of remaining closed in the position corresponding to. the1 magnet last energized until the opposite magnet becomes energized, whereby the normalcontacts become closed in response to: energizationV or the normal magnet and ref-v main closed until opened. in response to ener.- gization ofthe reverse magnet, and whereby thereversel contacts become closed in response to energizationof theV reverse magnet and remain closed until opened-in response to energization of the normal. magnet; the combination comprising, an operating lockingrelay for saidswitch, a control locking relayffor. said switch, manual control meansfor` said switch, normal and reverse circuits for said. switch controlled by itsmanual control. meansinnormal and reverse. conditions respectively ifthe reverse and normal contactsrespectively of its` control locking relayA areclosed for energizing the normal and reverse. magnets respectively ofzits operating locking re.- lay, other normal and reverse circuits for said. switch controlled by theswitchitself andby itsA operating. locking relayY ini corresponding conditions forenergizingthenormal and reverse magnets respectivelyof itsf controlllocking relay, and operating means for saidt switch controlled by its control andv operatinglocking relays for op;- eratingV said switch to: its normal and reverse positions..

5'.V In a system for the. control, operation and.'

indication of a. railwayl switch, in which two-poing a normal and a reverse magnet with normal and reverse contacts, respectively, having the characteristic of remaining closed in the position corresponding to the magnet last energized until the opposite magnet becomes energized, whereby the normal contacts become closed in response to energization of the normal magnet and remain closed until opened in response to energization of the reverse magnet, and whereby the reverse contacts become closed in response to energization of the reverse magnet and remain closed until opened in response to energization of the normal magnet; the combination comprising, an operating locking relay for said switch, a'control locking relay for said switch, manual control means for said switch, normal and reverse circuits for said switch controlled by its manual control means in normal and reverse conditions respectively if the reverse and normal contacts respectively of its control locking relay are closed for energizing the normal and reverse magnets respectively of its operating locking relay, other normal and reverse circuits for said switch controlled by the switch itself and by its operating locking relay in corresponding conditions for energizing thenormal and reverse magnets respectively of its control locking relay, an auxiliary normal circuit for said switch controlled by the switch and by a normal contact of its operating locking relay and also by its manual control means in the reverse condition for energizing the normal magnet of its control locking relay if the switch stops in an intermediate position, an auxiliary reverse circuit for said switch controlled by the switch and by a reverse contact of its operating locking relay and also by its manual control means in the normal condition for energizing the reverse magnet of its control locking relay if the switch stops in an intermediate position, and operating means for said switch controlled by its control and operating locking relays for operating said switch to its normal and reverse positions.

6. In a system for the control, operation and indication of a railway switch, in which two-position locking relays are ,provided each comprising a normal and a reverse magnet with normal and reverse contacts, respectively, having the characteristic of remaining closed in the position corresponding to the magnet last energized until the opposite magnet becomes energized, whereby the normal contacts become closed in response to energization of the normal magnet and remain closed until opened in response to energization of the reverse magnet, and whereby the reverse contacts vbecome closed in response to energization of the reverse magnet and remain closed until opened in response to energization of the normal magnet; the combination comprising, an operating locking relay and a control rocking relay for said switch, a rst locking route relay for a rst route including said switch in its normal position, a second locking route relay for a second route including said switch in its reverse position, a manual control device for said switch having a normal and a central and also a reverse position and having normal and central and reverse contacts respectively closed when the manual control device is in the corresponding positions, a reverse circuit controlled by normal contacts of said first locking route relay and said control locking relayA and also controlled by a reverse contact controlled by said manual control device connected in multiple with a path which includes a reverse contact` controlled by said second locking `route relay and-4 a central contact of said manual control device and also a contact closed if said switch is in its normal position for energizi-ng the reverse magnet of said operating locking relay, a normal circuit controlled by a normal contact of said second locking route relay and by a reverse contact of said control locking relay and also by a normal contact controlled by said manual control device connected in multiple with a path which includes a reverse contact controlled by said first locking route relay and a central contact of said manual control device and also'a contact closed if said switch is in its reverse position for energizing the normal magnet of said operating locking relay, an auxiliary reverse circuit -controlled by a normal contact of said rst locking route relay and by a reverse contact of said operating locking relay and also by avcontact closed if said switch is in the reverse position for energizing the reverse magnet of said control locking relay, an auxiliary normal circuit controlled by normal contact oi said second locking route relay and said operating locking relay and also by a contact closed if said switch is in the normal position for energizing rthe normal magnet of said control locking relay, and operating means for said switch controlled by its control and operating locking relays for operating said switch to its normal and reverse positions.

7.1111 a system for the control, operation and indication of a railway switch, in which two-position locking relays are provided each comprising a normal and a reverse magnet with normal and reverse contacts, respectively, having the characteristic or remaining closed in the position corresponding to the magnet last energized until the opposite magnet becomes energized, whereby the normal contacts become closed in response to energization of the normal magnet and remain closed until opened in response to energizationof the reverse magnet, a-nd whereby the reverse contacts become closed in response to energization of the reverse magnet and remain closed until opened in response to energization of the normal magnet; the combination comprising, an operating locking relay and a control locking relay for said switch, manual control means for said switch, normal and reverse circuits for said switch controlled by its manual control means and control locking relay if in disagreement with each other for energizing the normal and reverse magnets respectively of its operating locking relay, other normal and reverse circuits for said switch controlled by said switch and by its operating locking relay if in agreement with each other for energizing the normal and reverse magnets respectively of its control'locking relay, operating means forsaid switch, a normal and a reverse operating circuit for said switch operating means controlled by its control and operating locking relays in disagreement with each other, and a short circuit path completed between the conductors of said operating circuits by said control and operating locking relays in agreement with each other.

8. In a system for the control, operation and the reverse magnet, and whereby the reverse contacts become closed in response to energization of the reverse magnet and remain closed until opened in response to energization of the normal magnet; the combination comprising, an operating locking relay and a control locking relay for said switch, manual control means for said switch, normal and reverse circuits for said switch controlled by its manual control means and control locking relay if in disagreement with each other for energizing the normal and reverse magnets respectively of its operating locking relay, other normal and reverse circuits for said switch controlled by said switch and by its operating locking relay if in agreement with each other for energizing the normal and reverse magnets respectively of its control locking relay, operating means for said switch, a normal and a reverse operating circuit for said switch operating means controlled by its control and operating locking relays in disagreement with each other, a cross-protection device, and a cross-protection circuit including said switch operating means in series with said crossprotection relay having no source of current and completed by said control and operating locking relays in agreement with each other.

9. In a system for the control, operation and indication of a railway switch, in which twoposition locking relays are provided each comprising a normal and a reverse magnet with normal and reverse contacts, respectively, having the characteristic or remaining closed in the position corresponding to the magnet last energized until the opposite magnet becomes energized, whereby the normal contacts become closed in response to energization of the normal magnet and remain closed until opened in response to energization of the reverse magnet, and whereby the reverse contacts become closed in response to energization of the reverse magnet and remain closed until opened in response to energization or the normal magnet; the combination comprising, an operating locking relay and a control locking relay for said switch, manual control means for said switch, normal and reverse circuits for said switch controlled by its manual control means and control locking relay if in disagreement with each other for energizing the normal and reverse magnets respectively of its operating locking relay, other normal and reverse circuits for said switch controlled -by said switch and by its operating locking relay if in agreement with each other for energizing the normal and reverse magnets respectively of its control locking relay, operating means for said switch, a normal and a reverse operating circuit for said switch operating means controlled by its control and operating locking relays in disagreement with each other, a stick relay, stick circuit means for retaining said stick relay energized if said switch is in a position in agreement with said operating and control locking relays, other stick circuit means for retaining said stick relay energized if said operating and control locking relays are in disagreement with each other, manually controlled pick-up circuit means for said stick relay, and indication means controlled by aback contact or said stick relay.

10. In a system for the control, operation and indication ci a railway switch, in which twoposition locking relays are provided each comprising a normal and a reverse magnet with normal and reverse contacts, respectively, having the characteristic of remaining closed in the position corresponding to the magnet last energized until the oppositeI magnet becomes energized, whereby the normal contacts become closed in response to energization of the normal magnet and remain closed until opened in response to energization of the reverse magnet, and whereby the reverse contacts become closed in response to energization of the reverse magnet and remain closed until opened in response to energization of the normal magnet; the combination comprising, an

operating locking relay and a control locking relay for said switch, manual control means for said switch, normal and reverse circuits for said switch controlled by its manual control means and control locking relay if in disagreement with each other for energizing the normal and reverse magnets respectively of its operating locking relay, other normal and reverse circuits for said Switch controlled by said switch and by its operating locking relay if in agreement with each other for energizing the normal and reverse magnets respectively of its control locking relay, operating means for said switch, a normal and a reverse operating circuit for said switch operating means controlled by its control and operating locking relays in disagreement with each other, agreement means energized in response to agreement of the position of said switch with said control and operating locking relays, and indication means operated in response to deenergization of said agreement means.

1l. In a system for the control, operation and indication of a railway switch, in which said switch is operated by power means in response to given control means; the combination comprising, agreementmeans energized in response to agreement of the position of said switch with its control means, indication means constantly operated in response to deenergization of said agreement means ii said switch is trailed through by a train, and means for then continuing the operation of said indication means until manually controlled after the condition of said switch is corrected.

GIULIO CINI. 

